Successful Luncheon!

The Northshore Schools Foundation (NSF) annual Light a Fire for Learning luncheon held April 26th, raised more than $118,000 to support STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) education and other district wide initiatives.

The event, featuring Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, highlighted a variety of programs funded by the Northshore Schools Foundation and demonstrated the organization’s commitment to ensuring students have access to the resources they need as they prepare to enter the workforce of our future.

Canyon Creek’s marimba band created an atmosphere of joy and energy as more than 300 business owners, industry professionals, parents and school district staff gathered to celebrate the contributions made by the foundation.

Teachers John Schmied from Skyview Junior High, Lydia Booker from Woodmoor Elementary and Kathleen Dearborn from the career and college readiness program, celebrated how grants from the foundation have made an everyday contribution to their students and enhanced the educational opportunities that the Northshore School District already provides.

Dr. Dunbar shared her inspiring story from farm to space and cited how dedicated teachers helped direct her way, and how knowledge of STEM subjects is the key to discovering how the world works. “Eighty-seven percent of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills,” she said.

Event emcee, Andy Wappler, vice president of corporate affairs for Puget Sound Energy, brought to life how corporate partners and sponsors are investing in the workforce of their future, by supporting students now.

Students from Wellington’s Helping Hands program emphasized how their service learning program, partially supported by the foundation, is teaching them lifelong service learning skills.

“The Helping Hands program teaches us important lessons through doing service projects. We learn to be aware of the needs of others. We develop compassion for those in need. We think of others and not just ourselves,“ said Wellington student Nathan Ahlstrom.

Hannah Thomas, Bothell High School ASB president and student presenter shared, “I have realized just how much of an impact the foundation has had, since the beginning, every single day. For me, science and leadership inspired me, and I had many helpful teachers along the way to support me. But there are so many other paths one can take. For someone, math and business might be their forte. For another, it could be languages or culinary arts. Whatever the path is, the Northshore Schools Foundation is there to provide an extra boost, to shine some extra light on the path. I have experienced this first-hand, and I know that so many others have as well.”

The event was sponsored by more than 56 local and regional companies. Title sponsor for the event was Cornerstone General Contractors, who was also honored with the Foundation Support Award.

Molbak’s was honored as a premiere sponsor.

Major Sponsors included Foundation House of Bothell, Northwest Totem Cellars, BioLife Solutions, Hollywood Schoolhouse and the Windermere Foundation. Microsoft, McKinstry, Boeing, Fred Meyer and the Friends of the Foundation provided more than $40,000 of challenge match funds for people making gifts of more than $200 at the event.